Keywords: Greek - Griffin Attachment from a Cauldron - Walters 542950.jpg A protome is a decorative element representing the head and neck of a person or animal This griffin's head which with several others decorated a large bronze cauldron is characteristic of the Orientalizing period Cauldrons on tripod stands with designs inspired by Near Eastern motifs were important dedications in sanctuaries The griffin was a mythological creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion and was believed to guard the gold of northern barbarian tribes ca 640 BC Orientalizing bronze cm 14 9 4 9 5 6 accession number 54 2950 16783 Robert E Hecht Jr dealer 1999 Walters Art Museum 1999 by purchase Museum purchase with funds provided by the Ancient Art Acquisition Fund 1999 place of origin Greece Walters Art Museum license Ancient Greek sculptures in the Walters Art Museum Art from Greece Media contributed by the Walters Art Museum needs category review |